Object spy crashes application
When I try to inspect the TCustomActionPopupMenuEx component in TestComplete using Object Spy, my application crashes. It works fine on Windows 10, but the issue occurs on Windows 11."
Forum Discussion
15 Replies
Hassan_BallanChampion Level 3
Since both TestComplete and your application are running the same versions across environments and the only difference is the Windows version, this may be an OS-specific compatibility issue. Given that the crash only occurs on one version of Windows, I recommend creating a support incident with SmartBear so their team can investigate further.
Follow the link to submit a support ticket
Make sure to include the following in your report:
- Detailed steps to reproduce the issue
- Crash logs or dump files (if available)
- Exact Windows version/build where the issue occurs
- TestComplete version
- A sample application (if possible) that reproduces the crash
🤖 AI-assisted response
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✅ Issue resolved? Click Mark as Solution- scot1967
Hi Gane195,
This isn't something I have seen reported in the community. (Others may know of it) I have been out for a few weeks. Could you let the community know...- which version you are on
- scripting language
- Key Word testing
- Same project used for both Win 10 and 11
Stuff like this will allow us to find similar cases in the community or give us a place to start.
Hi scot1967,
TestComplete 15.77.6.7
Vbscript
Using Hybrid Framework
Yes Same Project- Hassan_Ballan
This might be related to VBScript compatibility and how Windows 11 handles low-level UI interaction differently than Windows 10.
🧩 Likely Cause
- VBScript is deprecated in Windows 11 and disabled by default in many recent builds.
- While it may still function in some environments, its integration with tools like TestComplete — especially during UI inspection with Object Spy — can be unreliable.
- The crash when inspecting TCustomActionPopupMenuEx likely points to a conflict between TestComplete's object hooks and the way Windows 11 handles legacy scripting and UI components.
✅ Suggested Workarounds
- Run both TestComplete and your application as Administrator – this can help resolve permission-related crashes when accessing UI components.
- Try creating a new TestComplete project using JavaScript instead of VBScript. JavaScript is more stable on modern Windows versions and will help avoid issues related to deprecated scripting engines.
🧭 Longer-Term Suggestion
Microsoft is in the process of removing VBScript entirely from Windows. For future compatibility and improved stability, migrating your scripts to JavaScript or Python is highly recommended.
Let us know if switching to JavaScript resolves the crash.
🤖 AI-assisted response
👍 Found it helpful? Click Like
✅ Issue resolved? Click Mark as Solution
- scot1967
I did a little digging with AI. Is your tested app written in Delphi? If so, which version of Delphi is being used? Check the link below to ensure support.
https://support.smartbear.com/testcomplete/docs/app-testing/desktop/delphi/about.html?utm_source=chatgpt.comYou could attempt to work around the problem by not using the spy on this component. If you can find the closest unique parent object you could use the findchild method to reference and automate the interaction with the component with the .keys method.
I agree with Hassan_Ballan, you should likely open a support case. 👍
... If you find my posts helpful drop me a like! 👍 Be sure to mark or post the solution to help others out and/or to credit the one who helped you. 😎 - scot1967
Hassan_Ballan that stinks. It looks like Windows 11 24H2 is when VB Script becomes a 'Feature On Demand' i.e. you have to enable support. I assume an upgrade would not disable it until sometime in 2027. It looks like sometime in or after 2027 is when it will be disabled by default and fully removed TBD. Currently as long as the feature is enabled VB Script should continue to work so I doubt this is your problem.
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/vbscript-deprecation-timelines-and-next-steps/4148301 I also facing this
TRibbonActionPopupMenu
- rraghvani
Hi Gane195. Are you able to find out what language and framework your application uses? Was it working before upgrading TC? Ensure your application is supported, check Supported Technologies and Applications.
It's not relating to the scripting language, VBScript. Your application is preventing Object Spy from looking at it's methods and properties. You'll need to liaise with your developers to try and diagnose the issue, SmartBear Support will be able to point you in the right direction.
Hi rraghvani,
It might be an issue with the latest version. Can I switch to an older version of TestComplete?
I just realized that I started getting this error after upgrading to the latest version.
I will check with the earlier version and see if the issue is replicated.
- scot1967
Hi Gane195, this sure sounds like a Delphi app. Have you checked for version compatibility? The thought of going back to a working version is a good one if this was previously working.
Let us know what you find out. 🤞
